Risk factors for umbilical trocar site incisional hernia in laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a prospective 3-year follow-up study

Abstract Background Trocar site incisional hernia (TSIH) is a common complication after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of TSIH and analyze the influence of several risk factors for this complication in a prospective series. Methods From 2007 to 2008, a prospective observational study with 3 years of follow-up was performed including all consecutive patients with cholelithiasis who underwent elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. A multivariate analysis was performed to identify risk factors for TSIH. Results Overall, 241 patients were included. During a median follow-up period of 46.8 months, 57 patients (25.9%) were diagnosed with umbilical TSIH by physical exam or ultrasound. The multivariate analysis revealed that incision enlargement (odds ratio [OR], 14.17; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.61 to 55.51; P P P = .0038), and obesity (OR, 2.71; 95% CI, 1.28 to 5.75; P = .009) contributed to the risk for developing a TSIH. Conclusions Umbilical TSIH is highly prevalent. This study identified several factors that could be useful to introduce preventive measures in high-risk patients.